GORHAM, Maine — UFO believers gathered at a conference in Maine to share their stories of close encounters and hear from speakers who said they’ve been abducted by extraterrestrials.

Scores of people showed up Saturday for the Experiencers Speak conference in Gorham, where they heard from speakers who’ve claimed to have been abducted by beings from other planets.

The conference was organized by twin sisters Audrey and Debbie Hewins of Mechanic Falls, who started a national support group for abductees after what they describe as a lifelong series of encounters with extraterrestrials.

The keynote speaker was Travis Walton, a logger and author of “Fire in the Sky,” who said he was kidnapped by aliens in a national forest in Arizona woods in 1975 and held captive for five days. Another featured speaker was Kathy Marden, who wrote a book about her aunt and uncle, Betty and Barney Hill, a Portsmouth, N.H., couple whose story about an alien abduction gained national attention in the 1960s.

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Some of those in attendance said their experiences with extraterrestrials have changed their lives.

The 30-year-old O’Brien said his first encounter was three years ago while taking a walk at 2 a.m. in Bangor. That’s when he encountered tall human-like creatures he calls “the wizard people” that he says are sending a spiritual message to earthlings.

“They are saying, ‘Be happy and as loving as possible.’ This is the message I am getting,” O’Brien said.